UArts Big Band record is "delightful" →

Big Band: University of the Arts

All About Jazz recently reviewed a pair of releases from The University of the Arts, including records from both the Transfusion ensemble and the "Z" Big Band. I was a member of the latter, and was honored to be a part of this recording session. Our set featured a solid set of tunes from Count Basie, Quincy Jones, and many others. 

"This truly large group (five trumpets and five trombones!) maintains the characteristic excitement of Basie's music but also brings to it a modern, Gerald Wilson-like sensibility..."

Read on for more, or take a listen to the record here!

Big Band: The University of the Arts

 A swingin' studio recording from the 2008 University of the Arts Big Band, featuring the music of Count Basie.  

Big Band: University of the Arts

Essentially Ellington 2004 - State High Jazz Band 1

State College Area High School Jazz Band at the 2003 Jazz a Vienne festival in Vienne, France.

I have to give it up: my high school music program was incredible. No small thanks go to the legendary educators that steered the ship; the band, the experiences and the music have left an indelible mark on my musical life.

With the State High Jazz Band, I got to travel the world, play some great music, and learn with some of the best musicians around. I also had some of my first professional recording experiences with this group, and this is one of them.

Recorded on a snowy February day in State College, PA, this was our entrance application to the 2004 Essentially Ellington competition at New York's Lincoln Center. The arrangements are direct transcriptions of original Ellington recordings from the 1940s, and you can listen to a sample below.